In the summers of 1991 and 1992, Arthur and Carmen Fulop sent their son Steven to Argentina, hoping to sharpen young Fulop’s soccer game. Steven’s care was entrusted to Rafael Perez Bustamante, an Argentinian native and soccer coach.

Last year, when Fulop began telling friends and family that he was going to run for mayor of Jersey City, Bustamante was confident Fulop would be victorious.

“I thought he would win,” Bustamante said last night of Fulop, whom he considers “another son.”

When Bustamante arrived for the final week of the campaign and saw Fulop on the campaign trail, he made a keen observation.

“I told him ‘Steven, you’re a better politician than you were a soccer player,’ ” Bustamante said.

Arthur, Carmen and Bustamante cheered loudly when Fulop’s victory was announced at Zeppelin Hall last night.

“It’s overwhelming,” Carmen Fulop said moments after she realized her son would be the next mayor of New Jersey’s second largest city. “I’m happy for Jersey City. What he (Steven) says he will do, he does. He’s focused.”

Arthur added, “A year ago, he told us he was running for mayor. This is incredible.”

Asked how Fulop will perform as mayor, Bustamante replied, “Excellent.”

Carmen said that while Fulop’s victory is a great moment for her family, she’s really happy for her son.

“The best part (about him winning) is that he achieved his goal,” Carmen said. “He’s my son, and I’m proud of him.”